These were the actual world rankings for Crystal Defenders last week. Yes, that is me, #3 in the world. I've since gone down, but still, it's kind of awesome to play a game and see your name in the top 3 in the world at a game haha!

So yesterday was the release of a game I've been looking forward too for a long time, and that's the Sonic Collection. Over 40 Genesis games!? HD Genesis sprites!? Dolby Surround 5.1 Midi Tones!? YES!!!!!!!! In a celebration of the game release, I thought I'd give my little list on the 5 games I'm most jacked up about.

#5 Dr Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine

At #5 we have our favorite mustachioed villain, Dr. Robotnik. O how you bring joy to me with…beans? In the sad spin-off of Robotnik entering rehab after a bad night in the Casino Night Zone, a game is created which features Dr. Robotnik NOT losing. WHAT!? Ya, it's a weird concept I know. But the joy of Robotnik doesn't last too long, because by the end of the game it's the same routine.

Any gamer + tons of beans = the death of Robotnik

#4 Shinobi III

Honestly, just tell me "ninjas" and I will throw it in a top 5 list somehow. Shinobi III really got me pumped with the way it embraced the whole feeling of "fighting fast". Without this game I doubt games like Devil May Cry or God of War would exist today. And if you disagree with me, I will throw a shuriken right between your eyes. BOW TO YOUR SENSEI!

#3 Sonic II

So let's see, "what character almost single handedly sold an entire system?". Ya that's what I thought, Sonic. Sonic II was awesome. When everybody looks at games they always break reviews up into graphics, sound, gameplay, etc. Well this game was awesome in all those areas. I know that the last levels in this game are some of my favorite memories ever from video games. Tails, DRIVING A PLANE?! WHAT!?! Ya, I was the kid freaking out when I saw that one.

#2 Shining Force II

The sequel to the best game on the Genesis (I know you cheated already and saw what's number 1). Better graphics and improved gameplay made this game a very good sequel to the original. This whole series isn't as well known as other games like Fire Emblem or Final Fantasy Tactics, but Shining Force IMO does the best job at strategy RPG's

DRUMROLL….

#1 Shining Force I

The best game for the Genesis. I was sucked into this game from the first level. The strategy! The role-playing! The STRATEGY-ROLE-PLAYING! AMAZING! While this game isn't as technically sound as the sequel, this game started it all. The thing that probably hooked me the most about this RPG is that every single battle meant something. Nowadays, games are filled up with lots of random battles or sidequests to promote level-grinding and making the game longer. Shining Force was just straight plot the entire way through, making it completely easy to stay addicted. I know that the Shining Force series isn't the most popular, but you should really check it out if you have the chance to.

Also, a new DS Shining Force game is coming out soon! Shining Force Feather. February 19th for Japan and later in Spring it should be coming to the States. There have been a couple games to come out since Shining Force III (only for the Sega Saturn), but they haven't been anything like the original. This game is promising that it's going back to the roots so I'm definitely crossing my fingers.

SEACREST…OUT!